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Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria: March 21 – 27, 2009

Saturday, March 21 – Share Your Vision for a Healthier Alexandria
The Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria would like to invite everyone who lives, works, learns, or plays in Alexandria to a community meeting to share their ideas and experiences on how to make Alexandria a healthier place to live. The “Share Your Vision for a Healthier Alexandria” event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the First Baptist Church (2932 King St.) Everyone is invited, but please RSVP for this event by contacting Carrie Fesperman at 703.838.4400 ext. 263 or carrie.fesperman@vdh.virginia.gov. More information about this visioning process is available at www.alexhealth.org/partnership/mapp.html.

Saturday, March 21 – Battle of the White House Lecture
Please join the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology for a Java Jolt lecture with historian and archaeologist Patrick O’Neill who will present “Battle of the White House,” the only War of 1812 battle fought in Fairfax County. The presentation at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum (105 N. Union St.) begins at 10 a.m. and includes a display of artifacts from the battle. The lecture is free and open to all but reservations are requested. Please call 703.838.4399 or e-mail archaeology@alexandriava.gov to RSVP.

Saturday, March 21 – Swordsmen’s Rendezvous
Experience this unique living history program at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St.) as you learn a skill all 18th-century gentlemen must know—swordplay! The program includes re-enactment of 18th-century swordplay and a display of 18th-century weapons. This popular family event is suitable for all ages and will include some audience participation as you practice your newfound talents. Price is $5 per person, ages 5 and up. Tours are from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and reservations are required. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.838. 4242.

Monday, March 23 – Tavern Toddlers
Join us for a special program for toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and their caregivers at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Tavern Toddlers features a weekly open playtime in Gadsby’s historic ballroom Mondays, excluding Federal holidays, any time between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Cost is $7 for a group of three, which must include one adult, or $30 for a five-week pass. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.838.4242.

Wednesday, March 25 – Street Smart Campaign 2009
The City of Alexandria reminds residents the spring 2009 Street Smart Campaign will kick off today. This annual campaign focuses on public education and awareness about pedestrian and bicyclist safety targeted throughout the Metropolitan Washington region. The Alexandria Police Department will be conducting increased enforcement of pedestrian safety laws at various locations Citywide throughout the next several weeks.

Wednesday, March 25 – Alexandria Historical Society Lecture
Jim Bish will present “Alexandria: From Farm, to Port, to Town, and the Importance of the West Family” at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., beginning at 7:30 p.m. His lecture will center on the land that became Alexandria from 1700 to 1749, and how it evolved from a tobacco farm to a tobacco port of export to the town of Alexandria. For the period 1730 through 1755, the focus is on the West Family, and their importance to the founding and early development of Alexandria. This free event is open to the public and reservations are not required. For more information, please call 703.683.2636 or visit www.alexandriahistorical.org.

Wednesday, March 25 – Wayfinding Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting
The Wayfinding Stakeholder Advisory Group will hold its next meeting from 8 a.m to 10 a.m. in Room 2000 of City Hall, 301 King St. The Wayfinding Stakeholder Advisory Group was established by the City Manager to provide input to the City and consultant team on a comprehensive wayfinding system that will project a consistent image for the entire city; reduce visual clutter; and promote walking, bicycling, and use of mass transit. For more information, contact Carrie Beach at 703.838.4666, ext. 325.

Thursday, March 26 – Potomac Yard Planning Advisory Group Meeting (Rescheduled from March 17)
The Potomac Yard Planning Advisory Group will meet from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Room 2000, City Hall, 301 King St. In September 2008, City Council approved an amendment to the Planning and Zoning Work Plan and later appointed a group of Alexandria residents to commence work with City staff on the Small Area Plan for Potomac Yard. For more information, contact Valerie Peterson at 703.838.4666, ext. 338.

Friday, March 27 – Deadline for Excellence in Aging Awards Nominations
The Alexandria Commission on Aging is seeking nominations for its Annual Excellence in Aging Awards. These three awards honor two individuals (regardless of age) and an organization that have demonstrated superior contributions in advancing issues and projects that favorably affect older Alexandrians. Award winners will be recognized at a reception in May. For more information or for a nomination packet, call Debbie Ludington at the Department of Human Services Office of Aging and Adult Services at 703.838.0927.

Coming Soon!

Saturday, March 28 - Invasive Species Removal Volunteer Event
The City of Alexandria invites residents to take part in a Citywide "Ivy Pull" from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed to remove ivy plants from various locations throughout the City. There is no need for tools, though small pruners might come in handy to clip vines off trees. The runners of ivy are easily pulled as they run across the landscape. Gloves are highly recommended. For more information, contact Claudia Hamblin-Katnik at 703.519.3400.

Monday, March 30 – Annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet
The Alexandria Commission for Women invites the public to attend the 29th Annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 901 N. Fairfax St. To reserve a seat at the banquet, or to sponsor a table, download the reservation card at www.alexwomen.com. The RSVP deadline is March 25. For further information, please call Angela Johnson at 703.746.3123.

Saturday, April 4 - 15th Annual Homeownership Fair
The City, in partnership with the Virginia Housing Development Authority, invites City residents and workers to attend the 15th Annual Homeownership Fair. The Fair will be held at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave., from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. In addition to exhibits from real estate professionals, lenders, and nonprofit organizations, this year's fair will feature classes on the homebuying process, buying foreclosed properties, and home purchase finance. A new class on foreclosure prevention, provided by Housing Counseling Services and Legal Services of Northern Virginia, will be offered for both existing homeowners and new home buyers. Classes will be offered in English, Spanish and Amharic. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Office of Housing at 703.746.4990.

Ongoing Events

Open through Saturday, March 28 – A Radiant Spirit: The Journey of Mary Ellen Henderson
This traveling exhibition from the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation highlights the efforts of educator and activist Mary Ellen Henderson of Falls Church. This civil rights champion dedicated herself to ensuring educational equality for African Americans in a segregated school system and community. Free opening reception on Thursday, February 5, from 6. to 8 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.838.4356.

Open through Tuesday, March 31 – “Hail to the Chief” Mini-Exhibition
A rare 1797 medal that was excavated in Alexandria and commemorates George Washington is among the many local artifacts and historic images featured in “Hail to the Chief.” Located at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St., #327, this mini-exhibition showcases American presidents, including Washington, Jackson, Lincoln, Grant and Harrison. The exhibition is free and open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703.838.4399.